News and resources for PDX employees
News and resources for PDX employees
Frances Sheehan Steps Up for Person and Pup in Need
When Port of Portland police officers were called to baggage claim for a welfare check, they discovered a woman needing medical attention.
It was clear to assisting officers that the woman should go to a hospital, but there was a complication – she needed her puppy, Lotus, to come with her. Without a kennel for the dog, the ambulance couldn’t transport them both, and the woman wouldn’t leave without her canine companion.
Thinking quickly, officer Erin Flinn asked Alaska Airlines employee Frances Sheehan if there was a left-behind kennel in the baggage claim office that they could use. While there weren’t any unclaimed crates to use, Frances – unbeknownst to Officer Flinn – purchased an Alaska Airlines kennel with her own money and rushed it over to the ambulance. The ambulance left with both human and pup, and the woman was able to receive the medical attention she needed.
Officer Flinn had this to say about Frances: “I am so thankful to work with PDX People like her. She gave without knowing, she acted out of kindness and she demonstrated teamwork and generosity – not only to the woman and her puppy, but also to the first responders on scene.”
The  PDX People Customer Service awards recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary. Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners on the PDX employee website.
You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service – submit a nomination now.
Recognize A PDX Employee
New Renderings Show Off the Very PNW Designs for PDX 
There’s one lush scene everyone will experience at PDX when the new terminal opens in 2025: a park-like environment filled with live trees, understory ferns and dappled rays pouring in from the overhead skylights. Architects call this area the “seam,” because it will mark your pathway from the ticket lobby into the public market and security checkpoints beyond.
The seam is only one of several airport designs we’re getting a closer look at in this series of new visuals, delivered to you fresh from the architects’ desks. These images, which we’re officially unveiling here, give you a preview of the future views. They also hint at a pretty lofty goal: Create a flexible, open and inviting terminal that not only serves the region for years to come, but also embodies the PDX spirit. Read the full article and see all the renderings on the PDX Next website.
U.S. Flags and Military Plaques Move to Storage, Await New Home at PDX
Changes and relocations continue as we prepare for the new main terminal. On Thursday, May 13 at 2 p.m., we will wave a temporary goodbye to the U.S. flags and military plaques located in the ticket lobby. All are welcome to join USO and TSA staff for a flag-lowering ceremony, which will begin at the south stair location and move to the north. 
What's New with PDX Next: Concessions Openings and "Demo the Demo" 
It's lunch time, you're hungry and you're at PDX craving something tasty. Well, you're in luck – this week brings a few concessions grand openings that we've all been anticipating. 
Elephants Deli is expected to open in the ticket lobby later this week. Their fantastic enchiladas and decadent cowboy cookies will be available in the south ticket lobby in the former Starbucks location.
Gourmet salad, wrap and bowl purveyor Evergreens will hold their official grand opening on Wednesday, May 12, but the celebration is already starting on Concourse E! At 11 a.m. tomorrow – Tuesday, May 11 – they're offering a free salad, wrap or grain bowl to the first 150 customers. Act fast while supplies last!
Also up and (quietly) running is the new location of Tender Loving Empire on Concourse E. Since this is a soft opening, please be aware that the space is still in progress and there may be unexpected hiccups. Stay tuned for their grand opening and ribbon cutting planned for later this month!
Curious about the Oregon Market demolition, noise levels and what to expect? We've told you it's going to get noisy in the ticket lobby, but volume is hard to convey through text. For that reason, the PDX Next team will soon host a demonstration – cleverly named "Demo the Demo" – so airport employees can see and hear what's coming next. Keep your eye on the Upcoming Events section of the PDX People website for details.
Calling the Comm Center? Be Ready for More Questions
Starting Tuesday, May 18, when you call the PDX Comm Center to report an emergency, you will be asked a few more questions than you’ve likely been asked before.
It’s important to know that answering these questions won’t delay the process of sending help. In fact, these questions will help the Comm Center be more consistent and accurate from call to call.
So you know what to expect, below are the first three questions you’ll always be asked:
  1. What is the location of the emergency?
  2. What is a number that I can call you back?
  3. Tell me exactly what happened.
Using a structured call taking process helps gather key details in a timely manner and correctly prioritize emergency responses. The process also includes pre-arrival instructions and scene safety recommendations to help keep employees and passengers safe. Read the full article on the PDX People website.
REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Extended 
The Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID full enforcement date by 19 months – from October 1, 2021 to May 3, 2023 – due to circumstances resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
The pandemic has significantly impacted states’ ability to issue REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards, with many driver’s licensing agencies still operating at limited capacity. 
Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel. 
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Offers Time to Reflect on Inequality, Inclusion
Did you know May was selected as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869?
This year’s celebration has taken on a more serious tone – it's a time to reflect on what we all can do better to address inequality and promote diversity, inclusion and belonging. One action you can take right now? Sign up for free bystander intervention and de-escalation training.
Offered by Hollaback! and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the one-hour, interactive training will talk through five strategies for intervention: distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct; and how to prioritize your own safety while intervening. Training is offered on an ongoing basis with a variety of times that can work with your schedule.
Reminder: Take Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey 
PDX is often the first and last impression guests have of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, and one of our key goals is to ensure our airport is welcoming to all – airport workers and travelers alike.
Our ongoing desire to create an inclusive environment is also reflected in our PDX People core values: We're friendly, knowledgable and respectful.
This quick survey is designed to gather your thoughts on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion, which could include activities, conversations or even the formation of a resource group for airport employees. Tell us what you think!
Take the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Survey
Serving #PDXCarpet Couture 
Whether it's the prepped and staged final or the behind the scenes preview, we're proud to see our #PDXCarpet make an appearance with the even more iconic Serena Williams.
And if these images make you wonder what will happen to the last remnants of the old carpet with a beautiful new PDX, have no fear: We’re happy to confirm that you can keep snapping pics of your handsome sneakers. Our renovated spaces will feature varied flooring materials inspired by the Pacific Northwest, classic carpet included.

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